UM weighs policy to halt protests, disruptions at school events

The University of Michigan is asking Ann Arbor campus students, faculty and staff for input on a proposed policy to halt school event disruption, four days after a group of students interrupted one its most important academic ceremonies and was protesting again outside the building where the Board of Regents met Thursday.

President Santa Ono indirectly commented at the beginning of the meeting by quoting U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, on the importance of civility.

"While we may vehemently disagree in matters of law and policy, we will strive at all times to maintain collegiality and the honor of her office," said Ono, quoting Bergman, a congressman who represents northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. "Let's do the same here at the university."

Officials have drafted a policy that would ban infringing "on the exercise of others’ speech and activities by disrupting the normal celebrations, activities, and operations of the university," they said.

On Wednesday, the school launched an online survey to collect feedback on the policy. It will take responses through 11:59 p.m. April 3.

The proposed policy and survey come after student activists disrupted its annual honors convocation on Sunday to lobby the university to divest money from Israeli companies. University officials said the next day they were working to prevent similar disruptions.

The 101st Honors Convocation at Hill Auditorium was the first university event activists disrupted after protests over the past year were held on the Diag, in front of the UM administration building and other places.

On Tuesday, Ono sent students, faculty, and Ann Arbor campus community members a statement that called the demonstration during the ceremony "unacceptable" and an "intrusion on one of the university’s most important academic traditions."

“Like many of you, I am proud of our university’s history of protest," he wrote in his message. "But none of us should be proud of what happened on Sunday. We all must understand that, while protest is valued and protected, disruptions are not. One group’s right to protest does not supersede the right of others to participate in a joyous event."

Under the proposed policy, the university would issue written notices to students who violate the policy. They would then be able to meet with school officials to either ask for a formal hearing or accept responsibility and a sanction. Students could face either suspension or expulsion.

Faculty or staff would be disciplined under other university policies, officials said. They said contractors, volunteers or visitors who violate the policy also will be penalized.

kkozlowski@detroitnews.com